NEW YORK – Timex and British menswear retailer END. have partnered to release a collaborative watch that channels the clean, compact design language of the early 1980s tennis scene. Dubbed the END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired, the model is now available in the United States and reflects a growing industry shift toward smaller case sizes.
A Compact Case with Period Details
The stainless-steel case measures 35 mm across and is just 8.5 mm thick, combining brushed and polished surfaces. A gently octagonal bezel frames a sunray ice-blue dial, which features a subtle etched globe motif, applied hour markers instead of printed numerals, and a practical date window at the 3 o’clock position.
Quartz Reliability and Custom Finishing
Powering the watch is a quartz movement running on an SR920SW battery, protected by a mineral crystal. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, making the piece suitable for rain or light swimming but not for diving. The 16 mm stainless-steel bracelet is secured with a fold-over clasp, and the caseback carries a custom engraving of END.’s logo intertwined with a tiger graphic.
Pricing and Broader Strategy
The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired retails for $199 and is sold directly through Timex’s US website. Its launch follows closely on the heels of the Marlin GMT, a titanium automatic watch that further demonstrates Timex’s push into thoughtfully sized, design-driven releases.
Casio’s Color Updates on the Horizon
Rival watchmaker Casio is also leaning into smaller profiles. The brand is reportedly preparing two new cosmetic variants of its ABL-100 Vintage line. A navy dial version, designated ABL-100WE-2A, and a grey dial option, the ABL-100WE-7A, are expected to go on sale later this month. The underlying hardware remains identical to the existing ABL-100 models.
Casio has yet to confirm official pricing, though the new colorways are anticipated to align with the original silver and gold ABL-100 launches, which debuted at $79.95 and $99.95 respectively in the US. Both moves underscore how watchmakers are mining archival dimensions and aesthetics to meet renewed consumer appetite for restrained, everyday wristwear.
Source: timex.com